Jill Long Thompson: Taxpayers Shouldn't Have to Reimburse Foreign Company for Toll Road Use

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - As Indiana prepares to reimburse the foreign consortium for the use of the Indiana Toll Road during the recent flooding in northwest Indiana, today Jill Long Thompson said it's yet another example of why Governor Mitch Daniels' 75-year was a bad idea for Hoosiers.

"I find it deplorable that, in the midst of a natural disaster, this foreign company would be charging Indiana taxpayers for the use of the Toll Road. They are clearly taking advantage of us," said Long Thompson. "What's worse is that Governor Daniels has agreed to pay it."

"This is just one more negative aspect of selling the state's assets. If Indiana still controlled the Toll Road, we wouldn't be in this situation," added Long Thompson. "I call on the Governor to show some leadership and fight to keep those tax dollars here so we could help the flood victims rebuild their lives. That would be a better use of this money."

Governor Daniels and the Indiana Toll Road Concession Co. announced Tuesday that tolls would be temporarily suspended from Porter County to the Indiana-Illinois border to help alleviate traffic congestion. The cost to taxpayers for the reimbursement has not yet been publicly disclosed.

Known for her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplished public servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and was the first in her family to go to college. She received her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master's and Ph.D. in business from Indiana University.  A farmer and college professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County.

For more information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign to restore Indiana's promise, please visitwww.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill.

Source: Hoosier for Jill Press Release

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